ByJonathan Adams, CorrespondentSeptember 21, 2009

Muslims the world over continued celebrations of Eid Al-Fitr Monday, marking the end of the Ramadan period of fasting and abstinence. The faithful began the holiday on Saturday, Sunday or Monday, depending on their sect.

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food, drink, cigarettes, and sex from sunrise to sunset.

Some national leaders used the holiday to issue political messages, with some calling for peace and others denouncing opponents. In some communities this year's festivities were marred by fears of swine flu or political unrest or violence.

In Egypt, where 900 cases of swine flu have been reported, two of them fatal, some expressed concern that the disease could spread too easily during mass prayers to mark Eid. According to the Egyptian Gazette, the country's leading Muslim cleric issued a fatwa, or religious edict, saying Eid prayers could be cancelled as as result.

In Iran, the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei used his Eid al-Fitr sermon to blast Israel, Western powers, and the foreign media, the Times of London reported. Mr. Khamanei said Zionism was "gnawing into the lives of the Islamic nations" and "spreading through the invading hands of the occupiers and arrogant powers."

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces killed two Palestinians they suspected might be planting explosives, according to the Arab Monitor. The news agency also reported that Hamas leader Ismail Haniyehissued a fatwa against Palestinians who worked for firms building what Palestinians say are "illegal" Israeli settlements.

For the war-weary traveler, the Kurdish region offers not just a refuge from violence but also reliable electricity, stunning natural beauty, cooler weather and fewer social restrictions.

"We have heard from people who have been there ... that it's like being in a different country," said Haidr Mohammed Ali, a 36-year-old government employee from Baghdad who was taking his wife, two children and his cousin's family to the Kurdish city of Irbil by minibus.

In Saudi Arabia, fireworks were planned on Sunday night around Riyadh, a skydiving performance was expected and the Prince Faisal sports stadium was hosting a parade and motorcycle races.

However many Saudis were also expected to stream into neighboring Dubai and Bahrain for Eid. Both locations are popular for those seeking a break from the ultra-conservative kingdom's restrictions on movies, music and alcohol.